ROCHESTER, Mich. - The IUPUI men's soccer team will continue its rigorous non-conference schedule on Wednesday (Sept. 18) night when the Jaguars head up I-69 to face Oakland University at 7:00 p.m.. The match will be streamed on the Horizon League Network. 

The Jaguars fell to 0-5-2 this past weekend with losses to Valparaiso and Milwaukee, but look to regain momentum when they take on the former fellow Summit League foe. Oakland (1-2-3) is coming off a 2-1 win over Marshall, followed by a 0-0 tie with St. Francis (Pa.). 

IUPUI Head Coach Isang Jacob moved sophomore Michael Sass to forward for Friday's match against Valparaiso and it resulted in a 1-0 lead with a goal in the 20th minute. The Jaguars were not able to hold on for the victory as the Crusaders would score the deciding goal in double-overtime, handing the Jaguars a 2-1 loss. After the match Jacob was pleased with his team's effort but disappointed with the result. 

Most recently, the Jaguars suffered a 3-0 loss to another Horizon League squad, Milwaukee, on Sunday (Sept. 15). Freshman Christian Lomeli made his first start of the year in goal, yielding all three goals, including two in the second half.  

More than anything, health has been an issue for the Jaguars in the season's early going. Sophomore Lance Davis has missed time due to injuries, while Fumio Himeno and Ayodele Makinde have yet to play this season due to preseason injuries. 

The Golden Grizzlies have not gotten off to the best of starts either with two early losses, but they have historically given the Jaguars trouble. Last year's 3-0 loss moved the Jaguars to 5-14-1 against the Grizzlies all-time. The Jaguars last defeated OU, 2-1 on Oct. 2, 2010. The last time IUPUI won in Rochester was a 1-0 win in 1999, which clinched a spot in the four-team conference tournament.

Giving up nine goals so far this season, four of them in a 4-1 loss to Oregon State, the OU defense has been shaky and the Jaguars will need to take advantage. Recently moved to the forward position, Sass has been their best scoring option with two goals on only six shots. He will have a significant size advantage over the Oakland defenders and should continue to see scoring opportunities. 

Oakland's leading scorer, Miche'le Lipari, scored a goal and assisted on another in the 2-1 win over Marshall. He has two scores and an assist on the season.